Posted 3 years ago
Russell117
(98 items)
Pair of Colin Heaney, candlesticks. He is an Australian glass artist who started up his glass works in the 1980s. These are quite impressive in terms of their height and colour. The gold stem and red bowl are created by adding metallic salts while the object is being formed on the punty. Each candlestick has the artist's glass company label on the upper foot and also the his engraved signature and date the article was produced - in this case 1991. Height 30 cms [12 inches] and 9.5 cms diameter at the top. I believe a large U.K. restaurant chain, commissioned Heaney to supply him with these to be placed on their tables. Sadly, he closed down the factory and moved from glass to fabrics.
I watched Heaney make glass at Byron Bay in the 90s, and purchased two pieces from him. Mine have no opalescence but are still nice pieces. I think they were my first ever pieces of art glass and I still have them.
These are great examples of his work, quite beautiful.
An unusual find in the UK! His work commands big prices in Australia now. I have owned a few items, which I was later able to sell for quite an impressive profit when fine - tuning my collection to focus more strictly on the 19th century.
Racer4four, went to his studio in the late 90s as well. Most of the pieces we purchased were at a local outlet in Newcastle CBD. The owner of the shop used to go to Heaney's and bring back a trailer load to put in the shopfront window - he did this trip a few time each year. I have several other nice pieces and will post some photos soon. Thanks, gain for the love and comment.
Hi, IronLace. Heaney glass items certainly have gone up in value since he retired from glass making. I think production costs forced his hand - chemicals and gas. I have a few more nice pieces that I will post photos of soon. My daughter has an outstanding Heaney collection. She collects signed modern pieces from around the world. Maitland Art Gallery is also one her favourite hunting grounds for purchasing very good Australian glass artists' work - Julius Santos, for example. Thanks for the comment and love.